Authenticity. Freedom to be yourself. YOURSELF .... complete with all your glorious strengths and weaknesses.
To place yourself in your authenticity is a powerful place for both corporations and individuals. I'd like to spend a bit on why it is so important for companies and how Social Media can be an important tool in finding it.
As an example, let me brag on a favorite restaurant of mine in Calgary called Marathon. Located on 10th St NW in Calgary's trendy Kensington district it serves up awesome Ethiopian fare.
A couple fundamental distinctions of Ethiopian food & culture. First, there are no knives and forks! Ethiopian ethnic delights are served up on a common platter on top of a spongy bread called Injera which you tear and use to scoop up your food. Second, Ethiopia runs on a 13 month calendar as compared to our 12 month calendar (which will be relevant in describing the timeliness of their service :O) )
As with every single corporation out there, this restaurant comes with its strengths and weaknesses.
Some Strengths: Amazing & Fresh Food, Relaxed Atmosphere and Jazzy type music, Owners whose smiles and laughter could cheer up a continent.
Some Weaknesses: The service can seem like they are on a different calendar: slow. Parking can be limited in the area.
Whether you are happy with this restaurant will depend on your goals for going there. If you want a quick bite before heading out to a movie or play you will almost certainly end up being extremely frustrated and disappointed if not angry. If you are there for business there will be a moment of awkwardness as you both weren't quite prepared to share a platter never mind doing so with your bare hands/fingers (you can get knives and forks if you ask)
However, if your goal is to spend some quality time with a person you love or want to get to know better, then this is the perfect place. You won't feel the rush to vacate your table for the next "shift". The slowness of service won't matter as you fully engage in conversation with your partner over a glass of wine and some relaxing music. The wait will seem worth it when you taste this fresh and fantastic fare with its complex flavours from spicy berbere dishes to comfort food lentil based creations all brought together perfectly by a sweet vinegar salad that refreshes your palette for every next bite. As your hands cross the platter to gather your next mouthful it brushes against your partner's hand which is reaching for something on your side. You get the picture... It is incredible.
I think the danger for business comes when we try to be everthing to everyone. Marathon's long term success will come in marketing itself simply for what it is. Unique flavors, Great People and a leisurely dining experience. I think there is a huge market in any city for that.
When we figure out our authenticity as a business, our authenticity being our strengths and the real, true experience customers will have when they engage us in our environment, great things happen.
a)We attract people looking for what we have to offer and we can just be relaxed and genuinely ourselves in serving them. A fundmental truth in managing people is to know that fundamentally people don't change. If you are constantly trying to be someone else in your life as a business its a tough road.
b) We push away potential clients who would only be dissatisfied and angry with our products and services. You cut down on the huge cost of trying to service that segment of our customer base today and you don't have them walking about of your business telling 10 friends about how crappy your product/service/business is.
Here's where I believe every business needs to leverage the power of Social Media. You see in the old days that dissatisfied customer would talk to those 10 friends over the phone. You couldn't see it, hear it which meant you couldn't react to it. My experience as a Retail Manager suggests that 9 out of 10 dissatisfied customers leave your store and never come back without ever confronting you on your issue (giving you a chance to make them happy).
Today, instead of talking to 10 friends on the phone, they are talking to thousands of friends on the Web! While the viral nature of web reviews and comments seem daunting, it actually should be viewed as an opportunity.
You see in the old days you couldn't react to the complaining because you didn't hear their phone conversations. Today, whether your company has a formal presence in Social Media or not, it doesn't stop the public from talking about you in these channels.
The opportunity is to listen. Google Alerts, for example lets you have Google keep an eye out for any new entries on the Web that contain search terms which you define. One of them should be your company or product name and any shortforms of it. When new "discussions" appear on the web, Google emails you automatically and points you to it.
You may or may not like what you hear but feedback is the essence of any businesses growth and it will be powerful in helping you define your authenticity in the eyes of your customer base (which is often different then what we see it as). Your authenticity will then allow you to be targetted with the search tags and keywords you use in helping the right audience find you.
If it is on average 10 times more expensive to attract a new customer then retain an old one then you should delight in your new ability to respond to these customer concerns and potentially turn bad experiences into raving fans for your business.
I encourage you to start embracing various Social Media platforms for the opportunity it gives you to find your authenticity. My last thought: "You may be able to eak out a living outside of your authenticity, but you will find LIFE when you dare place yourself in it."
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
What does your Team see: Power or a Person?
Here is a question I heard this weekend for all you Leaders, Managers & Supervisors out there:
Does your team see you as a Person or do they just see Power?
If they see you as a Person they are much more likely to trust, respect and succeed for you. If they only see Power they may reclude into an environment of fear, hiding, hesitancy and failure.
Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric once said the secret to his success was "When I get power, I give it away"
Jack, by his 40 year distinguished track record shows that he gets it.
A leader's job is to lay down clear and challenging expectations of their people and equip them for success. Great leaders, once they've done that, let go. Yes they are there for advice, counsel and equipping but they won't just take over the game from an employee when they struggle.
The power of consequences, not the power of position will help protect the interests of the company, department and team of getting things done and done right.
That's great news because as a leader it takes the pressure off. Cheer them on, equip them with expectations and tools and give them the power to decide their future. That lets you present yourself as a person who cares about their success and wants to dialogue on how to continue to make it happen.
When employees own their future .. great things happen. Most Owners try not to let a business fail.
Have a great week!
David
"Your Man with the Plan" for Better Teams and Better Results.
Here are some attendee reviews from my most recent workshops:
"David, Your expertise shines through with your passion and you are a great mentor!"
"Very positive. Fun to be around and you made the day fly by. Thanks for all you do."
"Great level of energy and passion. Knowledgeable about the topic. I learned alot! Loved the positivity and the feedback."
"I leave with a very positive outlook on the changes I can/will implement at my workplace from this course. Changes in me that will make a huge difference to my team."
Call me at (403) 874-1044 or email me at david@marketbeamer.com
to talk about bringing powerful training to your teams in 2011.
Does your team see you as a Person or do they just see Power?
If they see you as a Person they are much more likely to trust, respect and succeed for you. If they only see Power they may reclude into an environment of fear, hiding, hesitancy and failure.
Jack Welch, CEO of General Electric once said the secret to his success was "When I get power, I give it away"
Jack, by his 40 year distinguished track record shows that he gets it.
A leader's job is to lay down clear and challenging expectations of their people and equip them for success. Great leaders, once they've done that, let go. Yes they are there for advice, counsel and equipping but they won't just take over the game from an employee when they struggle.
The power of consequences, not the power of position will help protect the interests of the company, department and team of getting things done and done right.
That's great news because as a leader it takes the pressure off. Cheer them on, equip them with expectations and tools and give them the power to decide their future. That lets you present yourself as a person who cares about their success and wants to dialogue on how to continue to make it happen.
When employees own their future .. great things happen. Most Owners try not to let a business fail.
Have a great week!
David
"Your Man with the Plan" for Better Teams and Better Results.
Here are some attendee reviews from my most recent workshops:
"David, Your expertise shines through with your passion and you are a great mentor!"
"Very positive. Fun to be around and you made the day fly by. Thanks for all you do."
"Great level of energy and passion. Knowledgeable about the topic. I learned alot! Loved the positivity and the feedback."
"I leave with a very positive outlook on the changes I can/will implement at my workplace from this course. Changes in me that will make a huge difference to my team."
Call me at (403) 874-1044 or email me at david@marketbeamer.com
to talk about bringing powerful training to your teams in 2011.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Egypt: Hidden Gems amidst the conflict
I don't know about you but I couldn't help but be glued to the news reports coming out of Egypt the last two weeks. It holds special interest to me because I toured and had the chance to speak throughout Egypt in 2003 and came to know the people there as some of the warmest, most generous you'll ever meet. It doesn't shock me that the protestors were able to keep their focus amidst being charged and attacked.
Through all the drama, there are some amazing stories that have and will continue to unfold that have yet to be shared.
Donna and I have friends who work in Egypt and the story of their neighbourhood is one worth sharing. In the absence of the police and law and order neighbourhoods were forced to start there own "Block Watch" programs. Their's was no exception.
People of different cultures, faiths & languages banded together under one cause and bonds were formed and strengthened like they never would have been before. They kept watch together through day and night, taking turns protecting their homes. In a strange but familiar way, conflict has brought people together!
This inspiring story that continues to unfold has reminded me that while we can't avoid conflict in our lives we will always have something to take from it. Gold is refined through fire and so are our best relationships.
That has been my experience!
Through all the drama, there are some amazing stories that have and will continue to unfold that have yet to be shared.
Donna and I have friends who work in Egypt and the story of their neighbourhood is one worth sharing. In the absence of the police and law and order neighbourhoods were forced to start there own "Block Watch" programs. Their's was no exception.
People of different cultures, faiths & languages banded together under one cause and bonds were formed and strengthened like they never would have been before. They kept watch together through day and night, taking turns protecting their homes. In a strange but familiar way, conflict has brought people together!
This inspiring story that continues to unfold has reminded me that while we can't avoid conflict in our lives we will always have something to take from it. Gold is refined through fire and so are our best relationships.
That has been my experience!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Telecommuting: a Yes or No for you?
I remember when working from home office was becoming more and more popular. In the 90's with the rising cost of downtown real estate in Calgary, Shell Canada at the time was sending quite a few people to work from home. Excited about the prospects of a 4 step walk in the mornings with my cup of coffee down to my computer, I raced into my boss's office and cried out "Send me Home!"
His response: "When hell freezes over Dave."
Not the response I expected to hear!
He went on to say: "Dave, you give energy to this place and you get energy from this place. I like your performance. If i sent you home to four walls, a computer/phone and a dog: your performance and motivation would die."
He was right. Telecommuting can be a great solution for the right person and the right circumstance but there are a few factors that as a leader, you want to consider before making the decision to move someone to work from home.
Here are a couple:
1) Character Type: Employees whose personality is affiliative by nature may not be a good fit. I did give and get energy from the office environment. As an affiliative natured person it was a great environment to encourage my success. The more isolated environment would have quickly brought my motivation down.
2) Commute: In larger centres if someone is commuting 2 plus hours a day alone then regaining that time with family and for relaxation can give that employee increased energy and motivation for the job.
Here are links to a couple other blogs on the topic:
Blog 1
Blog 2
Contact David today to bring powerful Leadership training to your team! david@marketbeamer.com www.marketbeamer.com
His response: "When hell freezes over Dave."
Not the response I expected to hear!
He went on to say: "Dave, you give energy to this place and you get energy from this place. I like your performance. If i sent you home to four walls, a computer/phone and a dog: your performance and motivation would die."
He was right. Telecommuting can be a great solution for the right person and the right circumstance but there are a few factors that as a leader, you want to consider before making the decision to move someone to work from home.
Here are a couple:
1) Character Type: Employees whose personality is affiliative by nature may not be a good fit. I did give and get energy from the office environment. As an affiliative natured person it was a great environment to encourage my success. The more isolated environment would have quickly brought my motivation down.
2) Commute: In larger centres if someone is commuting 2 plus hours a day alone then regaining that time with family and for relaxation can give that employee increased energy and motivation for the job.
Here are links to a couple other blogs on the topic:
Blog 1
Blog 2
Contact David today to bring powerful Leadership training to your team! david@marketbeamer.com www.marketbeamer.com
Monday, January 17, 2011
A Monday Power Tip: Use Reflection to become an Effective Listener
Listening is one of those skills you can never be too good at.
If I asked each of you to quantify the cost that miscommunications drive in your company I know I would get back some very large numbers!
You can start an effective listening revolution in your company. Follow the link below to a short clip on Youtube of me presenting in Missouri for Rockhurst University around the power of reflection in helping you listen for understanding and all the benefits that brings with it. Listening Skills are a big part of the two day Leadership Boot Camps I run for First Time Managers looking for a Great Start and/or Experienced Managers looking for a Fresh Start.
Click Here for a 3 minute training clip on Effective Listening
David Benjatschek is a professional speaker/workshop facilitator in the areas of Leadership & Communication. He brings powerful training workshops to companies that set up New Managers/Supervisors for a Great Start and helps experienced Managers/Supervisors get a Fresh Start.
Contact David more info: web - www.marketbeamer.com or email: david@marketbeamer.com
If I asked each of you to quantify the cost that miscommunications drive in your company I know I would get back some very large numbers!
You can start an effective listening revolution in your company. Follow the link below to a short clip on Youtube of me presenting in Missouri for Rockhurst University around the power of reflection in helping you listen for understanding and all the benefits that brings with it. Listening Skills are a big part of the two day Leadership Boot Camps I run for First Time Managers looking for a Great Start and/or Experienced Managers looking for a Fresh Start.
Click Here for a 3 minute training clip on Effective Listening
David Benjatschek is a professional speaker/workshop facilitator in the areas of Leadership & Communication. He brings powerful training workshops to companies that set up New Managers/Supervisors for a Great Start and helps experienced Managers/Supervisors get a Fresh Start.
Contact David more info: web - www.marketbeamer.com or email: david@marketbeamer.com
Friday, January 7, 2011
2011: The Year of Choice
This is your opportunity to make 2011 the Year of Choice.
One principle I've learnt over the years is this:
EVERYTHING in life will be managed.
If I don't manage something then there are hundreds & thousands of people/things that will manage it for me.
If I don't cut my lawn , the City of Calgary will eventually cut it for me (at the small fee of $250)
If I don't manage my budget, my bank will offer to "tide me over" with the credit card they sent me. (at 28 percent interest)
If I don't manage the use of my time, the great news is there are a multitude of people out there who will. (I'll meet their goals, not necessarily mine)
The lesson is that many of us are paying a heavy emotional & financial price for not addressing the choices we need to make in life.
The beginning of a New Year represents an awesome opportunity to starting making choices in those areas of our job/life that remain unresolved. It is our chance to manage something positively before it will be managed by someone else at a high cost.
From a leadership perspective I've narrowed it down to 5 choices we all need to make to become effective leaders. Stay tuned for much more information on my book "A Game of Choice: 5 Choices to Effective Leadership" and the workshop that follows.
Happy New Year! I wish all of you every success in 2011.
Some Workshop Reviews from my recent Jasper Workshops:
"Very Informative Course filled with good help suggestions to aid supervisors to improve overall productivity & staff relations. Honest. Passionate. Very Encouraging!"
"I leave with a very positive outlook on the changes I can/will implement at my workplace from this course. Changes in me that will make a huge difference to my team."
If you have any questions about bringing powerful training to your team in 2011, call me at (403) 874-1044 or email me at david@marketbeamer.com.
One principle I've learnt over the years is this:
EVERYTHING in life will be managed.
If I don't manage something then there are hundreds & thousands of people/things that will manage it for me.
If I don't cut my lawn , the City of Calgary will eventually cut it for me (at the small fee of $250)
If I don't manage my budget, my bank will offer to "tide me over" with the credit card they sent me. (at 28 percent interest)
If I don't manage the use of my time, the great news is there are a multitude of people out there who will. (I'll meet their goals, not necessarily mine)
The lesson is that many of us are paying a heavy emotional & financial price for not addressing the choices we need to make in life.
The beginning of a New Year represents an awesome opportunity to starting making choices in those areas of our job/life that remain unresolved. It is our chance to manage something positively before it will be managed by someone else at a high cost.
From a leadership perspective I've narrowed it down to 5 choices we all need to make to become effective leaders. Stay tuned for much more information on my book "A Game of Choice: 5 Choices to Effective Leadership" and the workshop that follows.
Happy New Year! I wish all of you every success in 2011.
Some Workshop Reviews from my recent Jasper Workshops:
"Very Informative Course filled with good help suggestions to aid supervisors to improve overall productivity & staff relations. Honest. Passionate. Very Encouraging!"
"I leave with a very positive outlook on the changes I can/will implement at my workplace from this course. Changes in me that will make a huge difference to my team."
If you have any questions about bringing powerful training to your team in 2011, call me at (403) 874-1044 or email me at david@marketbeamer.com.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Who will you Vote for?
Its Election Day in the USA.
A poll yesterday suggested that today 80 percent of those Americans who plan to switch their vote from Democrat to Republican in the US Mid Term Elections don't actually believe the Republicans will do a better job. In essence they just seem intent on making SOMEONE "PAY" for the current economic status of their country.
The poll shocked me at first but points to a sad reality. Most everyday, I see people around me wasting away their chance at life with a capital "L" . They are busy blaming their circumstances on everyone and everything else instead of using that same time to make the positive choices that would turn their circumstances around.
Every once in a while I catch myself trending in that same direction. It is the road more easily travelled.
The truth is that every morning each one of us goes to the polls on the issue of what direction we'll take that day. In Canada, other than required respect for Taxes and our Criminal Code of Canada no one can make your choices for you unless you let them.
So Please. Please. Please. On each and every Election Day:
Cast a ballot for yourself.
A poll yesterday suggested that today 80 percent of those Americans who plan to switch their vote from Democrat to Republican in the US Mid Term Elections don't actually believe the Republicans will do a better job. In essence they just seem intent on making SOMEONE "PAY" for the current economic status of their country.
The poll shocked me at first but points to a sad reality. Most everyday, I see people around me wasting away their chance at life with a capital "L" . They are busy blaming their circumstances on everyone and everything else instead of using that same time to make the positive choices that would turn their circumstances around.
Every once in a while I catch myself trending in that same direction. It is the road more easily travelled.
The truth is that every morning each one of us goes to the polls on the issue of what direction we'll take that day. In Canada, other than required respect for Taxes and our Criminal Code of Canada no one can make your choices for you unless you let them.
So Please. Please. Please. On each and every Election Day:
Cast a ballot for yourself.
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